Agenda and minutes

Under the terms of reference for the Licensing Committee each Sub-Committee is required to elect a Chairman on an ad hoc basis for the duration of the meeting.

RESOLVED:

That, in accordance with the Terms of Reference for the Licensing Committee, Councillor Mrs P Smith be elected Chairman for the duration of the meeting.

(Assistant to the Chief Executive) To declare interests in any item on this agenda.

Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor Mrs R Gadsby declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda by virtue of The White Lion Public House being in her ward. The Councillor had determined that her interest was not prejudicial and that she would stay in the meeting for the duration of the discussion and voting thereon:

• The White Lion Public House, 11 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1ER

The Sub-Committee noted the agreed procedure for the conduct of business, and the Terms of Reference.

To consider the attached report and documentation, listed as follows:

Application for Summary review by Essex Police for the White Lion

White Lion – Form for Applying for a Summary License Review

Premises License Part A

Appeal Letter 5 November 2009.

Poppleston Allan Letter

First Letter from Licensing Section following Reviw.

The members who presided over this item were Councillors Mrs P Smith, Mrs R Gadsby and Mrs J Hedges.

The Chairman welcomed the participants and introduced the members and officers present and then requested that the participants introduce themselves to the Sub-Committee.

In attendance on behalf of the application were Mr N Sykes, solicitor representing Essex Police, Detective Superintendent C Carrington, Sergeant S Davies, Mr S Fisher of Essex Police and A Williams. Representing the premises’ licensees, McMullen and Sons Ltd were Ms C Eames, solicitor, Mr S Gill, Commercial Director of McMullens and Sons Ltd (the owners of The White Lion, 11 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey) and Ms S Sheehan, Operations Manager of McMullen and Sons Ltd.

The Chairman outlined the procedure that would be followed for the determination of the review of the premises licence for The White Lion, 11 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey.

(a)        The Application before the Sub-Committee

The application before the Sub-Committee concerned an application for a summary review of the previous licence in force at The White Lion, 11 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1ER. This was the second 48 hour expedited review meeting after the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting held on 5 November 2009 which had suspended the premises licence for The White Lion. The purpose of the meeting was to consider any interim measures were necessary before a full review hearing on a date set within 28 days of this meeting.

(b)       Presentation of the Applicant’s Case

Mr N Sykes, solicitor representing Essex Police, informed the Committee that although there had been 16 incidents at The White Lion over the last 12 months, however from May to mid-October there had not been any incidents. The recent spate of incidents were confined to the 17, 23, 30 and 31 of October. Although the temporary suspension on the public house was justified the police were accepting new conditions being offered by McMullens.

Mr N Sykes advised that it was refreshing to have effective dialogue with the licensees. The White Lion Public House was under new management which should alleviate the problems. An SIA registered doorman would be present on Fridays and Saturdays and it was felt that the side entrance door leading to an alleyway should be closed after a certain time. The interim measures, before the next review meeting covering 2 weekends, would be necessary and proportionate.

(c)        Questions to the Applicants from the Sub-Committee

Councillor Mrs J Hedges asked how long would The White Lion be expected to close before interim measures were taken? Mr N Sykes indicated that a minimum of 7 days was sufficient. This should allow for CCTV installation, new management in place and re-training of staff.

The Chairman asked if the 2003 Licensing Act was self policing. Mr N Sykes replied that it was self policing but, it was important for co-operation with managers and the District Council. Inspector C Carrington indicated to the Sub-Committee that he was satisfied with the conditions suggested.

(d)       Presentation of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87.